OSU HOMECOMING HORROR: Names of crash victims released

STILLWATER, Okla. – On Sunday morning, the City of Stillwater released the names of three adults and a two-year-old child who were killed during the Oklahoma State University Homecoming Parade on Saturday.

The city named the deceased as Nakita Prabhakar, 23, from Mumbai, India who was an MBA student at University of Central Oklahoma. Also listed were Bonnie Jean Stone and Marvin Lyle Stone, both 65, from Stillwater. The two-year-old boy was identified by a family member on social media as Nash Lucas.

Adacia Chambers, 25 of Stillwater, drove a 2014 Hyundai Elantra at approximately 45 mph into an unmanned motorcycle and then into parade spectators near the end of the parade route. The crash left four dead and at least 47 injured.

There are still five adults listed in critical condition. Three are at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City and two are at St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa. One of the adults, Kelly Murphy, had sustained two broken legs.

There are four children, all seven years and under, listed in fair condition at Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center. One of the children was a second grader from Skiatook who was going to her first OSU game. She sustained broken ribs, a bruised lung and internal bleeding.

At a press conference OSU President Burns Hargis said there had been discussion about canceling the game in light of the tragic events. However, the decision was made to play the game in honor of the victims.

The Cowboys went on to play the Kansas Jayhawks at 3 P.M. at Boone Pickens Stadium just blocks from the accident scene. Hall of Fame and Main St. were closed for many hours for investigation.

Prior to the game the Cowboys participated in “The Walk” the normal pregame trek down Hester Street two hours prior to game time. But when the team stepped out it was complete silence, the band did not play. It was different and very emotional.

“I don't think it ever left anyone's head, but we knew we had to play a game, still. We knew we had to take care of business." said OSU Quarterback J.W. Walsh

Midway through the game an announcement was made, “students, please call your parents.” Family members had been concerned following the crash and were trying to find out the status of their children.

OSU Coach Gundy responded to the event by saying “Football is something that’s not very important. When you hear of an incident like that, football is a nonfactor. You start calling to find out where your family is.”

OSU defeated Kansas 58-10.

OKLAHOMANS RESPOND

Social media was inundated Saturday with the hashtag #StillwaterStrong and #OklahomaStrong to offer support and prayers to victims and their families. There has also been outrage over the senselessness of the tragedy.

UCO Pres. Don Betz confirmed that UCO MBA student, Nikita Prabhakar of Mumbai, India was among the fatalities at OSU.

"Our students come to Central with their unique goals, hopes and dreams, and Nikita was undoubtedly no different. While we mourn the potential unrealized, let us also honor her life by pulling closer and appreciating the strength of our Broncho family." stated President Betz in a letter to the UCO community.

“We are heartbroken at this tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have died and are injured”, said Stillwater Mayor Gina Noble.

OSU President Burns Hargis said, “OSU, of course, is just devastated by this tragedy. The OSU Homecoming Parade is probably one of the most wholesome happy events in the country and to have it fouled like this and these victims is a terrible tragedy.”

He continued, “We give our profound thanks to our first responders. The Cowboy family pulls together and unfortunately, we have had to do it before and we are going to do it again.”

INVESTIGATION

Adacia Avery Chambers, meanwhile, has been arrested, charged with driving under the influence and is being held at the Payne County Jail.

Adacia Chambers is led from the accident scene by Stillwater Police Department. (Twitter image via Heavy.com)

According to OSU, Chambers is not a student. According to her Facebook profile she is from Oologah, Oklahoma.

Her father, Frank Chmabers told The Oklahoman, “I can’t figure this out. This is not the person that’s my daughter … I can’t imagine alcohol being involved. She is not an alcoholic that I’m aware of. This is just not who she is. They’re going to paint her into a horrible person but this is not (her).”

Chambers worked at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers in Stillwater. She has been described as “mature and responsible” and reserved by a co-worker. However, Chamber’s shift on Saturday was from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. She had been sent home early.

Mark Thompson who is the owner of the Stillwater Freddy’s location said Chambers is “an excellent employee". He also stated that he did not believe her to be under the influence when she left the store.

Chambers had also worked until midnight on Friday night and witnesses confirmed she went out for Homecoming festivities.

Other reports, such as this one at Heavy.com, quotes an unnamed Freddy's co-worker who says Chambers was sent home early from her shift because "they thought she was on drugs." That was not confirmed by law enforcement as of Sunday morning.

Chambers is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

Capt. Gibbs also stated that a homicide investigation is ongoing and any witnesses are asked to contact the Stillwater Police Department, especially anyone with video. (405.372.4171).

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